If I remember correctly, The Winchester was designated an "XTR" in both 307 and 356. Both meaning "extra range". The 356 at least was billed in the Marlin as the 336 "ER" version for "extra range". This also indicates the attempt to push leverguns into the bolt gun category with longer range, flatter shooting cartridges.
In my opinion, it was all in the timing of introduction and the fact that in the case of the 307, the 30/30 was simply far more entrenched and well known by current levergun users. Bolt guns ruled the day. Some purists also did not like the new "angle eject" rifle either which was introduced around that time. Leverguns were not in vogue (early to mid 80's) and Winchester was extremely quick with discontinuance of these models when they didn't sell well as they are with everything. Marlin discontinued their 356 levergun also.
I'd be willing to bet that if they were reintroduced at this point in time, they would sell quite well indeed. We are at the height of lever action mania now. Fifteen years ago the companies were having a hard time selling a levergun at any price.
You had Winchester being sold and in financial difficulties.
Even Marlin's 444 lanquished for many years after it was introduced and really only in recent years has taken off in popularity. I remember when I bought mine in 1981. My friends thought I was crazy for "wasting" the money. All 赔 bucks for a spanking new one.
FWIW, Ray
(Edited by Contender at 10:23 am on Dec. 24, 2001)
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